As Professor Michelle Leech steps down from her role as editor-in-chief of Technical Innovations & Patient Support in Radiation Oncology (tipsRO), ESTRO warmly acknowledges her exceptional contribution to the journal and to the global radiation therapy community. Since joining in 2016, she has played a pivotal role in building tipsRO from the ground up—helping it grow from its publication of its very first submissions into an internationally recognised platform showcasing the innovation, expertise, and dedication of radiation therapists (RTTs) and allied health professionals worldwide.

Throughout her tenure, Prof Leech has championed person-focused care, supported the advancement of clinical practice, and encouraged a culture of collaboration, learning, and professional growth. As she concludes her editorship, we invited her to reflect on her journey, share insights gained along the way, and look ahead to the future of tipsRO.

Since joining tipsRO in 2016, what has been the most rewarding part of your role as editor-in-chief?

The most rewarding part has been the absolute commitment of the entire radiation therapy community globally to supporting tipsRO to grow and become a leading journal in our field. This is a testament to the incredible research and innovation that are carried out by radiation therapists in centres across the world.
 

How have you seen tipsRO evolve over the years, in terms of content, reach, and influence on clinical practice, professional development, and the wider community?

When tipsRO started, we had very few submissions. I am especially grateful to Profs Peter Hoskin and Vincenzo Valentini, who both supported the journal (and me!) by allowing their staff to submit to tipsRO, which at the time was a brand-new journal and not even indexed in a database. I am also extremely grateful to my co-editor-in-chief at the outset, Prof Sara Faithfull, for everything she has taught me and continues to teach me, now as a research collaborator with me.

The reach of tipsRO is now truly international. I feel very happy and proud on behalf of radiation therapists everywhere when I attend congresses and see presenters cite publications from tipsRO in their work. The journal started from zero and now has a significant impact on practice worldwide.

 

How has tipsRO contributed to improving patient care and patient-centred practices in radiation oncology?

Having ‘patient support’ in our title indicates how strongly we feel about person-focused care at tipsRO. As radiation therapists, we are exactly those therapists who treat people, not technology operators. The journal has had some outstanding papers on innovation in patient care over the years, including special issues focused on specific patient groups, such as older people. In fact, our next special issue, under the stewardship of our new editor-in-chief, Dr Aileen Duffton, is all about person-focused care.
 

Are there specific initiatives or special issues (e.g., education, webinars…) that you are particularly proud of launching or supporting?

I was particularly proud of our special issue on global radiation therapy. The inequalities in radiation therapy access, education and practices across the world are sometimes missed when everyone is so busy working in their clinic/area in their own country. This special issue shone a light on activities and issues for radiation therapists across the world.
 

What key lessons or insights have you learned from leading a peer-reviewed journal?

The first lesson learned was to be resilient! I am a pretty resilient individual, but I will admit that there were times when I was tested. The second lesson learned was to show dogged determination! At first, it looked like the journal might not be successful, but that only encouraged me to work harder on behalf of all radiation therapists to make sure it was. Finally, I learned the true meaning of the term ‘dream team’. Our editorial board has been incredible to work with. I can honestly say that I have been completely privileged to work with each member, and it has been the most professional (but fun) team I have ever worked with.
 

What advice would you give to the next generation of researchers, RTTs, and clinicians, submitting to tipsRO?

I understand that the publication business can be very difficult and at times even soul-destroying! I experience it personally every day, too, with paper and grant rejections; everyone does. Keep trying and keep believing in yourselves as researchers. You have an important contribution to make, and tipsRO is the right home for that contribution.
 

Do you have a message for the readers of and contributors to tipsRO as you step down?

Just a huge thank you to everyone for their support and contributions over the years. Thank you to Prof. Michael Baumann and the ESTRO Board for having the confidence in me to appoint me as editor-in-chief in the first instance. I know that the radiation therapist community will offer the same support to Dr Duffton as she takes over and that she will do an outstanding job bringing tipsRO to the next level.